88 Key Fundraiser
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Mose Allison perorms on The Center for the Arts' new Steinway grand piano. photo: Tony Finnerty |
For many years The Center for the Arts has recognized the need for a concert piano. In 2008, the fundraiser "Topnotch Treasures" hosted by the Grandes Dames, earned over $14,000 towards the purchase of a piano. This was in addition to the $6000 raised by a performance featuring the vocalist Daniel Brooks accompanied by Ken Hardin. After much searching, we now have a 9 ft. Steinway Concert Grand piano. Most recently Mose Allison performed on the piano to a sold out audience.
This piano was destined to be back in Grass Valley. It has quite a history. Roger Hodson (of the rock group Super Tramp) once owned it. He was one of the first musicians to play at The Center for the Arts. Then for many years it was the premiere piano for Music in the Mountains until they traded it in for a new piano. In 2009 Steinway completely refurbished the piano with all Steinway parts and Sherman Clay presented it to The Center for purchase. It found the long way home. But the $20,000 raised is not enough to cover the cost of the piano. The 88 keys fundraiser will help the Center finish paying for the piano. Please help us bring beautiful music to Nevada County in your own key.
Click HERE to download a donation form.
Other arts organizations agree a concert grand piano is essential for the Center: |
To Whom It May Concern:
Any arts organization can only benefit by having a Concert D grand piano on its stage. It will not only bring the level of performances to a much higher level but adds a much needed sense of style and elegance to the stage. A concert grand also attracts a higher level of musicianship as guest artists also ask what type of piano they will be performing on. I have found that since Music in the Mountains purchased our new Steinway D that the costs of tunings have actually decreased as the piano holds its response so much longer. I feel quite strongly that the CFTA needs a concert-worthy grand piano, and soon. For several years, various arts groups (TCCA and MIM, for example) have discussed performing at the Center, only to be discouraged by the expense of bringing in a decent piano. With the addition of a concert-worthy piano, the CFTA can join the ranks of the very few venues in Nevada County that can host classical concerts; the acoustics in the Main Stage also happen to be very conducive for this sort of concert--the back row hears the piano as well, or perhaps even better, than the first. Obviously, this affects the bottom line of the Center, as it allows the venue to host many events it would previously been required to defer, and it raises the reputation of the Center in the local musical scene. If at all possible, I'd recommend whatever it takes to turn the CFTA into a premier concert facility. -- Ken Without a quality piano, a "Center" for performing arts cannot achieve its goals. It is of the utmost importance for the Center for the Arts to own a concert grand piano. WIth a concert piano, the Center will be able to provide the community withthe best and most diverse in theater, music, and dance. The dedication to entertain, challenge and educate all segments of the community would only be enhanced by the Center having the asset it needs to become a true"center for the arts". Julie Hardin Executive Director Twin Cities Concert Association |
Click HERE to download a donation form.
Grass Valley, California 95945